Charity stunned after £21,000 worth of designer dresses donated

Deborah Punshon

Over 60 brand new designer ballgowns and prom dresses worth over £21,000 have been donated to a homelessness charity.

Staff at Shelter Scotland in Dundee say they’re still in shock after the glitzy gowns, all with the original price tag tags attached, were gifted to the shop.

Estimated to be worth around £21,300, they are now each for sale at the Perth Road shop for around £30.

Knitwear, skirts, jackets and trousers were also donated with original price tags showing they are worth up to £145 each.

Karen Kelbie, manager of the Dundee Shelter Scotland shop said: “In my 20 years of managing the shop, I’ve never seen anything like it. We’re all still in shock.

“The dresses are just beautiful and perfect for anyone who has a formal occasion coming up – a wedding, a school prom or graduation ball.

“What could be better than dancing the night away in a beautiful dress, knowing you’ve just helped a vulnerable homeless person or a family living in poor quality housing?

“We are so grateful for this donation and it will make a big difference to Shelter Scotland’s work.

“The shop volunteers have worked tirelessly to get all of the gowns ready for sale and we excitedly look forward to welcoming people through the doors.

“Whatever the occasion, there’s a dress and size for everyone.”

The donation was made by Prego Boutique in Broughty Ferry.

Owner Liza Sinclair said that she chose to donate the items after hearing about Shelter Scotland’s work.

She said: “Many of our staff and customers live very fortunate lives where we don’t have to think about where we’re going to sleep each night or if we’re going to lose the roof over our heads altogether.